Colorful and edible gingerbread houses are easy and fun to make with the help of the Heritage Farm staff. Learn how to make this traditional German cookie house while you and your child listen to a reading of the fairytale 'Hansel and Gretel'. Each child must be accompanied by an adult, however only the child needs to register. The cost of this program is $18 for residents and $22.50 for non-residents. This program is for children ages 5-8.

Spend your evening becoming a pioneer! We'll walk from the Nature Center to the Cabin, cook our food in the fireplace, and dip candles the old-fashioned way. The cost of this program is $16 for residents and $20 for non-residents. This program is for children ages 7-12.

Learn about farm animals while feeding and caring for them at the Heritage Farm. Each week, participants will learn about a different farm animal. The cost of this 5-week program is $30 for residents and $45 for non-residents. This program is for children ages 8-12.

Pioneer cooking can be a challenge! Try your hand at cooking over an open wood fire, then eat your results. This program costs $8 for residents, $12 for non-residents, is for children ages 7-12, and meets at the Nature Center.

Stay or leave? Remain active or hibernate? Live or die? How would you prepare for winter? As the days shorten and the temperatures drop, we will explore some of the many ways that Spring Valley animals get ready for the big chill. This program costs $4 for residents, $6 for non-residenst, and is for children ages 7-10.

Apples are for more than eating! We'll hike to the Cabin, make apple prints and bake apple crisp in the fireplace while learning about this remarkable fruit. The cost of this program is $10 for residents, $15 for non-residents. This fee covers up to 4 participants. This program has been desigend for children ages 4+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Get up and get outside to help with morning animal chores. After milking cows and feeding the livestock, you;ll have a chance to feed yourself with a light breakfast around the farmhouse stove. Dress for the weather! The cost for this program is $12 for residents, and $18 for non-residents. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children 3 and under are free.

In this five week class, Junior Farmers will learn all about the livestock at the Heritage Farm! Each week, participants will meet a different animal friend and then hear stories, sing songs and create a memory book. This program meets weekly on Tuesdays, from 1:30-2:30PM. Parents must attend with child. The cost is $25 for residents, $30 for non-residents. Fee includes one parent and one child.

Join us for a nocturnal adventure to discover the secrets of these stealthy night-time hunters. After a walk to search the woods for owls, observe a live owl up close. Participants should bring their patience but leave their flashlights at home. Activities are designed for children 5 and up, while children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Step back in time over 100 years and watch history come to life at Spring Valley's largest and most popular event! Hands-on demonstrations of frontier-era and 1880s farm life such as cider pressing, blacksmithing, grain threshing, primitive fire starting, and much more is available to see and do. Throughout the day there will be kid's craft activities, 19th century games, live string music, grilled food and taffy apples. Parking is available at the Nature Center on Schaumburg Road, and off Plum Grove Road across from the Heritage Farm.